Thoughts for the Day

Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
 my rock and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues the peoples under me.

O Lord, what are human beings that you regard them,
or mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath;
their days are like a passing shadow.

Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
touch the mountains so that they smoke.
Make the lightning flash and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them.
Stretch out your hand from on high;
set me free and rescue me from the mighty waters,
from the hand of aliens,
 whose mouths speak lies,
and whose right hands are false.

I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
 the one who gives victory to kings,
who rescues his servant David....

Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall;
happy are the people whose God is the Lord.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Are you an umbrella person or a raincoat person? If you live in the US, Africa, or Australia this question might seem a little odd, but in Britain it's an important question. Parts of our country get a lot of rain! I would also suggest that the answer to this question depends on where you live. Someone used to towns will bring out the umbrella at the first sign of inclement weather. Whereas living where I have frequently lived, in Suffolk, Cumbria, and Pembrokeshire near the sea, an umbrella is the last thing needed - the wind would blow it inside out in a moment. Locals make sure they have a water-proof jacket with a fitted hood!

Our psalm today looks at another kind of protection. Over 3,000 years ago King David faced numerous threats to his throne - from various foreign nations, including the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, and Arameans; from members of his court like Ahithophel; and from Absalom his son, all trying to take over his land and defeat him. Something different was needed by King David. The language of Psalm 144 is full of war and aggression, but what rings true is David's trust and lack of doubt that ultimately it was God who protected him from his enemies - "the one" he says "who rescues his servant David". Despite his human failings, and there were many over his lifetime, this is what made David such a great king, for he saw that there was one Lord over all things.

As we move closer to Christmas with all its tensions and worries, personally and globally, what or who protects you physically or spiritually today? Can you find the strength to trust in God and hand over all your concerns to Him who rules all things?

Lord God,
we pray for all those who protect us:
for our friends and family;
for our ministers and priests;
and for the emergency services,
We also thank You for Your love and support,
which has continued throughout our life,
but especially we ask your blessing
and protection this day.
Amen.